Rain and lens covers

[footman]

I've been thinking (dangerous says my wife) about rain and lens covers such as camo and other rubbery protective covers.
My Olympus kit is very well weatherproofed but I'm wondering if there are any after effects of damp covers kept on the lens. A bit like your Mum telling you to get out of damp clothes etc.
Also, has anyone thought of spraying covers with the kind of waterproofing used on outdoor clothes or boots?

 

[Dave_S09]

I would never leave a damp cover on a lens. I can't confirm that doing so will result in damage but I can't think it would do any good, and how much of a chore is it to really remove a lens cover after a shoot?

 

[gramps]

Surely the danger to equipment comes from water ingress not damp?
A typical lens-coat may get damp but it isn't going to lead to the lens getting arthritis!

 

[rob-nikon]

The biggest problem I ever have with rain covers is not rain getting through the cover but condensation caused by having a warm hand inside the cover. Gloves help to reduce the effect of a warm hand and seem to stop most condensation buildup. That said I would rather use a cover in wet weather than not use one. Condensation is very slight compared to the amount of rain there could be.

I keep a microfibres towel in the bag. If the lens is slightly wet/damp after taking a rain cover off I give it a quick wipe before putting it in the bag. I wouldn't put a lens away still in a wet cover.

Whilst watching a premiership rugby game late last year I notice the pro photographers were using chamois leathers as rain covers. The rain was particularly heavy but it seemed to be a quick fix.

 

[footman]

Thanks for the replies, all food for thought.

 

[Mr Badger]

Surely the danger to equipment comes from water ingress not damp?
A typical lens-coat may get damp but it isn't going to lead to the lens getting arthritis!

No, but what about lens fungus or corroded/tarnished electrical contacts? The simple solution is don't store kit if it's wet or damp (or covered in condensation), take any 'aftermarket accessory' type covers off and let everything dry off thoroughly and 'air' before putting it away. I imagine this advice or similar will be stated in the camera/lens manufacturer's instruction manual? Look after your kit and it should look after you, by giving trouble-free service.

 

[gramps]

No, but what about lens fungus or corroded/tarnished electrical contacts? The simple solution is don't store kit if it's wet or damp (or covered in condensation), take any 'aftermarket accessory' type covers off and let everything dry off thoroughly and 'air' before putting it away. I imagine this advice or similar will be stated in the camera/lens manufacturer's instruction manual? Look after your kit and it should look after you, by giving trouble-free service.

Fortunately my equipment does not have any external electrical contacts so would only be affected if there was water ingress.
Obviously if the equipment itself gets wet to the point of water running or dripping it would not be sensible to leave it in that state and it should be wiped off before storing.